donI haven’t mentioned this until now but last Saturday  my uncle, and godfather, Don Panucci died unexpectedly.  To say it was a shock would be an understatement.  I found out while editing the music videos for the latest episode of Radio Free Charleston and was so numb I simply continued editing video and mixing audio for the rest of the day. I just didn’t know how to react.

Donald was my father’s youngest brother and last surviving sibling.  Many of you may know him from the years he spent running Warden’s Kitchen and Appliance Gallery.  You may remember I lost another uncle last year, Gene Warden.  Gene lent his name to the business but had virtually nothing to do with its success.  It was Don, along with my aunt, Stella Jo Warden and my father, Frank Panucci, who made “Warden’s” synonymous with quality custom kitchen design.

It feels really strange to be going on a very pleasant vacation at this time, but Don would not have wanted me to miss this trip. I did have to take some time out to post this from Anderson, South Carolina.

I remained silent about Don’s passing out of respect for his family’s privacy.  The reason I’m mentioning this in the blog now is that my uncle Don’s obituary is scheduled to run today and I know people will have questions.  Needless to say, Don touched many lives and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.  I know I will miss him very much.